LEBANON: Salesians mark Eid al-Adha with shared lunch for refugee families
Families being hosted at Don Bosco El-Houssoun
(MissionNewswire) To mark Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar known as the Festival of Sacrifice, the Salesian Family in Lebanon* organized a day of sharing with the refugee families being hosted at Don Bosco El-Houssoun.
For several months, the Salesian community has been supporting refugee families at El-Houssoun. This is part of a broader mission of solidarity, education and social development inspired by Don Bosco.
The local population has faced difficulties and constant displacement. The Salesian gathering sought to build bonds beyond religious affiliations and focus on the dignity of the person. Father Simon Zakarian, superior of the Salesian Province of the Middle East, who was visiting Lebanon, was there at the event with other Salesians and youth from the Don Bosco Oratory, as well as numerous members of the educational community.
Students from the hospitality and catering department of Don Bosco Technique prepared a festive lunch for the displaced families staying at the center. The meal was planned, cooked and served thanks to the efforts of numerous youth, educators and Salesian volunteers. Children in attendance also took part in recreational and educational activities led by youth from the oratory.
One student said, “We wanted to offer much more than just a meal. We wanted to share closeness, friendship and a message of hope.”
Another noted, “Particularly significant was the opportunity to bring together people from different religious traditions around the same table, in an atmosphere of mutual respect, joy and gratitude. Through this initiative, the Salesian Family wishes to bear witness to the fact that in Lebanon, coexistence is not merely an ideal, but a reality that is built day by day through concrete gestures of welcome, solidarity and fraternity.”
Through the occasion, Salesians wished to remind everyone that serving others, welcoming those in need, and sharing their joys and hopes constitute a universal language capable of uniting hearts and strengthening the human and social fabric of the country.
The situation in Lebanon, and across the Middle East, continues to deteriorate. Increasing displacement, destruction of homes and the inability of many families to return highlight a prolonged crisis. Salesians continue to provide food, shelter, education and psychological support to thousands of people, especially for youth.
###
Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
World Bank – Lebanon
*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
